Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-03

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The formation of rain-shadow deserts

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The figure illustrates the formation of rain-shadow deserts step by step.

Overall, the formation of rain-shadow deserts consists of various steps. It begins at the sea and reaches at the top of the mountain then goes down to the other side of the mountain .

However, the formation of rain-shadow deserts depends on various steps. Winds approach coast from the sea. Winds are pushed upwards to the mountain then moist air rises and cools. At the windward side of mountains clouds are formed. And at the top of mountains rain starts falling. Dry air continues over to the leeward side of mountains. At the end dry winds reach to the inland areas. And this is how rain-shadow deserts are formed.

Moreover, from sea to the inland area thousands of kilometers are covered by mountains. Formation of rain-shadow deserts is a lengthy process. As it goes from sea to the top of mountain and then goes down towards the inland areas.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the process, from the sea to the inland areas. However, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band. For instance, the distinction between the 'windward' and 'leeward' sides is mentioned, but the explanation of the physical transformation of the air (moisture loss vs. dry air) could be more precise. The overview is quite generic and does not effectively highlight the key features of the process, such as the contrast between the wet and dry sides of the mountain range.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into short paragraphs, but the flow between sentences is often mechanical. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes repetitive, such as starting multiple sentences with 'Winds' or 'And'. The logical progression is present but feels disjointed due to the short, choppy sentence structure. Referencing is generally clear, but the overall structure lacks the sophisticated linking required to achieve a higher score. Paragraphing is attempted, but the content within the paragraphs is not always logically grouped.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. The student relies on basic terms like 'steps', 'goes', and 'formed'. There is little attempt to use more academic or process-specific vocabulary (e.g., 'precipitation', 'condensation', 'arid', 'prevailing winds'). While the meaning is clear, the lexical range is limited, and the repetition of words like 'formation' and 'mountains' suggests a restricted vocabulary that prevents a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response consists mainly of simple sentences. While there are attempts at complex structures, they are often marred by grammatical errors, such as 'reaches at the top' (incorrect preposition) and 'winds reach to the inland' (unnecessary preposition). There are also issues with article usage and subject-verb agreement. The range of structures is limited, and the frequent minor errors in grammar and punctuation prevent the text from being considered highly accurate.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.